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Prior to European exploration, the land now known as Rhode Island was once home to Native Americans
such as the Narragansett tribe. The Dutch first explored the area in 1614. Roger Williams fled
religious persecution by the Massachusetts Bay colony and established the first settlement at
Providence, formed from land purchased from the Narragansett peoples. Puritan exiles arrived in 1638
and established Portsmouth; other towns began emerging. In order to secure lands, Williams helped
organize a government; King Charles II of England aided the new colony, which experienced tensions
with neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut for some time. Rhode Island was known as a colony
guaranteeing religious freedom, and consequently settlers, primarily English, found a home in the
colony.
Rhode Island’s independent spirit shone during the American Revolution. Rhode Island’s militia
leader Nathanael Greene joined the Continental Army at Cambridge in 1775; on May 4, 1776, Rhode
Island declared its independence from Britain. Rhode Island became the last of the colonies to
ratify the Constitution.
Following the Revolutionary period, Rhode Island aided in the beginning of the Industrial
Revolution, when in 1790, Samuel Slater constructed the first successful American cotton-textile mill
at Pawtucket. This ushered in an era of economic success for the state, leading to increased industry,
including renowned jewelry making, and subsequent population growth.
The 19th century witnessed tensions between freeholders and townspeople, which culminated in the
state’s adoption of a new constitution extending suffrage to the townspeople. Many foreign-born
settlers arrived, particularly English, Irish, and Scottish peoples. Rhode Island maintained its
antislavery sentiments and entered the Civil War loyal to the Union. The end of the 19th century
brought more immigrants, including Polish, Italian, and Portuguese peoples, further diversifying the
state.
The 20th century brought about industrial change, as the Ocean State’s textile industry lost its
dominance to Southern states. The advent of high technology and increases in the service sector, in
addition to biotechnology and life sciences, moved Rhode Island’s economy further away from
traditional manufacturing. The 21st century shows great promise for Rhode Island, whose excellent
infrastructure, location near other economic centers of the northeast, and a talented, diverse
workforce prove to be valuable assets.
Famous Rhode Islanders include actors James Woods, Harry Anderson, George M. Cohan, Eddie Dowling,
Ruth Hussey, Anthony Quinn, and Van Johnson; religious leaders Anne Hutchinson, Jemima Wilkinson, and
Wilbur John; painter Gilbert Stuart; poets Sarah Helen (Power) Whitman and Galway Kinnell; trumpeter
Bobby Hackett; baritone Nelson Eddy; printer and almanac publisher Ann Smith Franklin; writer and
performance artist Spalding Gray; TV newscaster David Hartman; writer Oliver La Farge; and author H.
P. Lovecraft, to name a few.
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